Google boosts Pixel and Fitbit workout tracking accuracy for health monitoring
Google brings advanced health monitoring to Fitbit Air and Edge later this month, while doubling workout tracking accuracy for Pixel and Fitbit devices.
Key points
- Health Guardian arrives on Fitbit Air and Edge for Google Health Premium users later this month.
- Automatic activity tracking accuracy nearly doubles, recognizing over 100 workout types.
- A new stainless steel Metal Mesh band option is available for the Fitbit Air.
Google is extending its Health Guardian health monitoring features to the Fitbit Air and Fitbit Edge wearables later this month. According to Engadget, these features are exclusive to Google Health Premium subscribers. The update also significantly improves automatic activity tracking across multiple devices, including Pixel Watches 3, 4, and 5. This expansion marks a shift in how the company integrates health data into its wearable ecosystem.
How it unfolded
- Google announced the rollout of Health Guardian to Fitbit Air and Edge for Premium subscribers later this month.
- The company released an update to automatic activity tracking that nearly doubles accuracy and expands recognized workouts from 10 to over 100.
- A new stainless steel Metal Mesh band was introduced for the Fitbit Air as part of the announcement.
Who is affected
Organizations managing employee wellness programs or utilizing wearable data for health initiatives should note these changes. Fitbit Air and Edge users with Google Health Premium will receive monthly summaries of blood pressure and insulin resistance trends. The in-app Health Coach provides lifestyle recommendations based on these readings. Users can also use these insights to discuss concerns with their doctors, according to Engadget.
The automatic activity tracking update affects users of Fitbit Air, Fitbit Edge, and Pixel Watches 3, 4, and 5. Google states the update addresses previous gaps in detecting fast-moving activities like tennis and HIIT. The system now considers movement, routines, manual edits, and location alongside heart rate. In tests, these improvements cut missed workouts by more than half, according to Engadget.
Our take on the response
Google’s strategy emphasizes deeper integration between hardware and its new Health app, which replaced the Fitbit app. The Health app serves as a central portal for health, fitness, and sleep data. It links with third-party apps like Peloton and MyFitnessPal and can sync with medical records. Google also partnered with Abbott to connect its Lingo continuous glucose monitor with the app for US users soon. That suggests a broader push toward comprehensive health data aggregation.
What to do and how to stay safe: Google
- Review current Google Health Premium subscription status to determine eligibility for Health Guardian features on Fitbit devices.
- Check device firmware updates for Fitbit Air, Edge, and Pixel Watches to ensure automatic activity tracking improvements are installed.
- Verify that health data syncing permissions are correctly configured in the Health app for third-party integrations like Peloton or MyFitnessPal.
- Monitor official communications from Google regarding the availability of Abbott Lingo continuous glucose monitor integration for US users.
Step-by-step guide: How Smartphone Security Updates Work: The Hidden Chain
General security guidance from the Patch Observer newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Which devices support Health Guardian?
Health Guardian is coming to the Fitbit Air and Fitbit Edge for Google Health Premium subscribers later this month.
How does the activity tracking update improve accuracy?
The update nearly doubles accuracy and expands recognized workouts from 10 to over 100 by considering movement, routines, and location.
Is there a new accessory for Fitbit Air?
Yes, Google introduced a flexible, stainless steel woven design called Metal Mesh for the Fitbit Air.
